Does Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) have anything to show for its complex and heavily funded research division Google X? In an interview recently, the head of the research division, Astro Teller, provided an insight into their projects, responsibilities, and challenges as the research arm of the search engine giant.
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is making various attempts to diversify its revenue sources. The company is currently involved in various research projects that include the autonomous car, biotechnology gadgets, robots and more.
Exploring problems
According to Teller, Google X has the responsibility to discover new problems that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) can participate in solving. The research division is also involved in exploring new business opportunities that Google can enter into overtime.
So far, Google X has contributed positively to this responsibility by giving way to projects such as Google Brain and Project Loon. Google Brain is today known as Natural Network Project and is already generating returns that can be compared to the cost of Google X. Loon on the other is in ongoing discussions to start generating returns. Through Loon, Google is able to take reliable and affordable Internet to more regions of the world through low-floating balloons.
Glass is for the future
Google Glass is another brainchild of Google X. Teller conceded that Glass is not already contributing to the bottom-line of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), but said it is a product for the future. According to Teller, the next 10 years will see more people consuming digital content on platforms like smart glasses and there is overwhelming evidence that Glass has its place in that.
3 things that keep Google X going
To keep a complex organization such as Google X going, Teller said they first focus on creating value for both Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and the world. They also work to have a pipeline of new things. The third thing is that they are proud of their achievements.
Google X also has its fair share of challenges and that include regulation issues among others. However, Teller and his team are happy about their track record so far, although he is fully aware of the burden they shoulder to keep Google going from success to success.
